More on the EU Internet Programme
Apr. 28th, 2009 10:58 am![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
lady_windermereJust received this e-mail from a Conservative MEP. So really a measure to increase competition? Improve our internet access?
Dear Ms.
Thank you very much for your email raising concerns about the Telecoms
Package. I entirely agree with you that consumers should be able to
freely use the Internet and benefit from its immense potential. We
should all be able to decide which service we wish to subscribe to, in
line with our own preferences with respect to the type of service and
content we want to access.
Unfortunately I fear that you have been misled with respect to the
proposed changes to the EU communications framework laws. The reforms
are intended to open up choice and competition, not restrict it.
Existing National laws across the EU already allow operators to provide
differentiated services, accommodating the diverse needs and desires of
consumers across the market place.
The purpose of this review is to increase consumer protection, by
strengthening operators' obligations to be transparent and provide
information on contract conditions, including any limitations or
restrictions which may apply to the services in question. In order for
competition to operate effectively in the consumer interest, consumers
need to be fully informed of the terms on which the services they
contract for are provided, and they should also be free to switch
providers easily and at no additional cost.
In addition, we are also increasing the enforcement powers of national
regulators, enabling them to take action against operators who are in
breach of regulatory obligations, and empowering them to impose minimum
quality of service requirements on all operators.
These quality obligations would ensure that operators are not able to
degrade, throttle or block applications, content or services in ways
which are anticompetitive.
The current Framework has worked very well in driving the development of
Internet services, and promoting fierce competition and high levels of
innovation, to the benefit of all European citizens and European
competitiveness. The major improvements we are making to the rules will
provide incentives for investment in new broadband and wireless
services.
Conservative MEPs in the European Parliament are committed to strong and
active consumers in an open and competitive market. We will continue to
work, in this and other initiatives, to ensure that your rights to
access a wide range of content and services over the Internet continue
to be safeguarded.
Best wishes,
Struan
Struan STEVENSON MEP
Vice President of the EPP-ED Group
Conservative Member for Scotland
Since they have tried to increase compitition, prices have gone up, we have been pestered by canvessers at our doors, phones and by letter. I do not find it reassuring in the least!
Just received the exact same e-mail from John Purvis Member of the European Parliament for Scotland, please note, no party.
I don't think we can say it is the French, I think the British are at it as well. Hold out hope for the rest of Europe, and the SNP!
Dear Ms.
Thank you very much for your email raising concerns about the Telecoms
Package. I entirely agree with you that consumers should be able to
freely use the Internet and benefit from its immense potential. We
should all be able to decide which service we wish to subscribe to, in
line with our own preferences with respect to the type of service and
content we want to access.
Unfortunately I fear that you have been misled with respect to the
proposed changes to the EU communications framework laws. The reforms
are intended to open up choice and competition, not restrict it.
Existing National laws across the EU already allow operators to provide
differentiated services, accommodating the diverse needs and desires of
consumers across the market place.
The purpose of this review is to increase consumer protection, by
strengthening operators' obligations to be transparent and provide
information on contract conditions, including any limitations or
restrictions which may apply to the services in question. In order for
competition to operate effectively in the consumer interest, consumers
need to be fully informed of the terms on which the services they
contract for are provided, and they should also be free to switch
providers easily and at no additional cost.
In addition, we are also increasing the enforcement powers of national
regulators, enabling them to take action against operators who are in
breach of regulatory obligations, and empowering them to impose minimum
quality of service requirements on all operators.
These quality obligations would ensure that operators are not able to
degrade, throttle or block applications, content or services in ways
which are anticompetitive.
The current Framework has worked very well in driving the development of
Internet services, and promoting fierce competition and high levels of
innovation, to the benefit of all European citizens and European
competitiveness. The major improvements we are making to the rules will
provide incentives for investment in new broadband and wireless
services.
Conservative MEPs in the European Parliament are committed to strong and
active consumers in an open and competitive market. We will continue to
work, in this and other initiatives, to ensure that your rights to
access a wide range of content and services over the Internet continue
to be safeguarded.
Best wishes,
Struan
Struan STEVENSON MEP
Vice President of the EPP-ED Group
Conservative Member for Scotland
Since they have tried to increase compitition, prices have gone up, we have been pestered by canvessers at our doors, phones and by letter. I do not find it reassuring in the least!
Just received the exact same e-mail from John Purvis Member of the European Parliament for Scotland, please note, no party.
I don't think we can say it is the French, I think the British are at it as well. Hold out hope for the rest of Europe, and the SNP!
